Joseph Wintakger is the owner of two hundred and forty five acres of fine land situated seven miles northwest of Manchester, also of thirty acres of timber, and is by occupation a farmer and stock raiser. He was born in Bohemia, May 7, 1850, a son of Charles and Ellen (Miller) Wintakger, both of whom were natives of that country. On the 23d of December, 1853, when he was but three years of age, the family landed at New York and subsequently made their way to Illinois, where they remained until the following March. They the removed to Richland township, this county, and settled upon a farm near Forestville. The father, who was a successful merchant, died in Richland township January 20, 1900, and was survived for three years by his widow, who passed away July 8, 1903, at the residence of the subject of this review, in Coffins Grove township. To their union were born three children, those besides Joseph being Hannah, who became the wife of Herman Hanson of Richland township, and died in 1901; and Mary, who married James McFarland of Manchester, and died December 7, 1888.

       Joseph Wintakger received his education in the public schools of this county and through assisting his father in the work of the farm became an efficient agriculturist. After reaching years of manhood he decided to make his life work that of a farmer as he believed it to be profitable and on the whole pleasant. In 1905 he purchased his present farm of two hundred and forty five acres, which is situated on section 6, Coffins Grove township, and he has since concentrated his labors upon the cultivation and improvement of the farm and the raising of grain and live stock. He is enterprising and progressive, and as he is also thrifty and judicious in his investments his resources are constantly increasing.

      On the 7th of May, 1879, Mr. Wintakger was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Millen, a native of Bohemia. To Mr. and Mrs. Wintakger five children were born, three of whom are living: Emma, at home; Frank, who died in infancy; J. M., also at home; Hannah, who died at the age of ten; and William, also at home. The wife and mother died April 11, 1909, which was Easter Sunday, and her demise is still mourned by those who were closely associated with her. Mr. Wintakger has utilized the opportunities which this as yet un-crowded country offers and has thus won material prosperity, and by reason of his upright life he has also gained the good will and confidence of his fellowmen.